Nature – frsnaturalist

Nature Journal: 31 July 2020 – A visit to Dryer Lake

In the year 2020, during the pandemic, I decided to spend my time learning about nature. I had a lot of time on my hands and no place to go so I started a Michigan Master Naturalists Course through Michigan State University Extension. It included a lot of information and lesson plans. Enough to fillContinue reading “Nature Journal: 31 July 2020 – A visit to Dryer Lake”

Crossing Lake Michigan: Sailing on the Inland Seas

When I arrive in Suttons Bay at 7:15 am on July 24, 2019, I find the crew already preparing the two boats for a planned 8:00 am departure. The Inland Seas and the Utopia will be making the 2-day trip together to Green Bay Wisconsin for the 2019 tall ships celebration but are now raftedContinue reading “Crossing Lake Michigan: Sailing on the Inland Seas”

Below the Mackinaw Bridge: Sailing on the Inland Seas

The date is July 6, 2016 and I’m standing at the helm of the tall ship Inland Seas, a two-masted, gaff rigged schooner like the ones that sailed the Great Lakes back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. I’m guiding her through the Straits of Mackinaw in northern Lake Michigan towards the bridge, into LakeContinue reading “Below the Mackinaw Bridge: Sailing on the Inland Seas”

The Bowfin

I was standing by the aquariums at the Inland Seas Education Center waiting to do my weekly aquarium maintenance, but not wanting to begin until the morning’s class had left for the boat and their great adventure out on the lake. I was watching the Bowfin swim lazily about the tank when the students fromContinue reading “The Bowfin”

Sun Dogs Courtesy of the Polar Vortex

Sun dog, scientific name parhelion The Polar Vortex has given us above average snowfall this January, below zero temperatures, high winds, and now Sundogs. According to Wikipedia, Sundogs are commonly made by the refraction of light from hexagonal ice crystals in cirrus clouds or during very cold weather. These ice crystals are called Diamond dust andContinue reading “Sun Dogs Courtesy of the Polar Vortex”

Looking for insects along the Boardman

Wednesday, October 9, was a great day for exploring the trails at the Grand Traverse County Natural Education Reserve and to identify bugs. Our Insects and Bugs class, part of the Northern Naturalist Program, was there along with our instructor from NMC. It was one of those beautiful, warm and sunny fall days that madeContinue reading “Looking for insects along the Boardman”